Reverse Cross Flow Plate Heat Exchanger CFD Simulation

This INTERMEDIATE level ANSYS Fluent CFD simulation tutorial explores the performance of a reverse cross flow plate heat exchanger. The episode is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of fluid dynamics and heat transfer in complex heat exchanger geometries, building upon foundational CFD concepts.

Key aspects of this intermediate-level simulation include:

Heat Exchanger Geometry: Analysis of a pre-designed reverse cross flow plate heat exchanger model, focusing on the intricate flow paths and heat transfer surfaces characteristic of this configuration.

Turbulence Modeling: Implementation of appropriate turbulence models (such as k-ε, k-ω, or SST) to accurately capture the flow behavior within the heat exchanger channels.

Heat Transfer Analysis: Examination of convective heat transfer between the two fluid streams, including the effects of flow arrangement on temperature distributions and overall heat transfer effectiveness.

Pressure Drop Evaluation: Assessment of pressure losses through the heat exchanger and their impact on overall system performance.

Temperature Profiles: Analysis of temperature distributions within both fluid streams and along the plate surfaces.

Boundary Layer Considerations: Investigation of boundary layer development and its influence on heat transfer in the narrow channels of the plate heat exchanger.

Advanced Boundary Conditions: Setting up appropriate inlet, outlet, and wall boundary conditions for both fluid streams, including temperature and flow rate specifications.

Performance Metrics: Calculation and interpretation of key performance indicators such as overall heat transfer coefficient, effectiveness, and NTU (Number of Transfer Units) for the reverse cross flow configuration.

Advanced Post-Processing: Utilizing ANSYS post-processing tools to visualize and quantify flow patterns, temperature distributions, and local heat transfer coefficients within the heat exchanger.

This intermediate-level training aims to enhance participants’ skills in simulating and analyzing complex heat exchanger systems using ANSYS Fluent. It provides insights into the unique challenges of modeling heat transfer in compact, multi-channel geometries with counter-flowing streams, which are common in various industrial applications.

The tutorial focuses on the setup, solving, and analysis phases of the CFD simulation, using a pre-defined heat exchanger geometry and mesh. This approach allows students to concentrate on understanding the physics of cross-flow heat exchangers, applying appropriate models, and interpreting results in the context of heat exchanger design and optimization.

Participants will gain valuable experience in handling more complex CFD simulations, including multi-domain problems and conjugate heat transfer, preparing them for advanced heat exchanger analysis and design tasks in real-world engineering scenarios.